| 'Stowell's Evergreen' is perhaps the most popular American heirloom corn. This variety can be pulled up, roots and all, in the fall before it has fully ripened, and stored upside down. From here, fresh corn can be picked well into February, hence the term 'evergreen'. The plants grow 7.5 to 8 feet high, and produce 7 to 8 inch ears 2.25 inches in diameter with 16 rows of white kernels. The tip rarely fills. Originally domesticated by Mesoamericans, it is a staple food with many other traditional uses. Home gardeners love to grow corn, and there are many varieties suited to different climates. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in rows or clumps, two weeks after the last frost date. Corn needs rich soil, full sun and adequate moisture to produce good ears. It is wind pollinated, so if you want to save seed, you will need to either stagger the planting time of different varieties, or plant them 1/4 mile apart. Water deeply. |